• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.48 no.9
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• pp.986-990
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• 2005

Purpose : Certain strains of lactobacilli are known to accelerate recovery from acute diarrhea. Lactobacillus reuteri is isolated from human breast milk and a commonly occurring Lactobacillus species with therapeutic potential in acute diarrhea. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the therapeutic effect of L. reuteri in acute diarrhea in young children. Methods : Fifty patients between 6 and 36 months of age hospitalized with acute diarrhea (rotavirus in 40 percent) were randomized into two groups to receive either $10^8$ colony-forming units of L. reuteri or a matching placebo, twice a day for their length of hospitalization, or for up to 5 days. Antidiarrheal drugs were not prescribed to either group. The clinical outcome of diarrhea was evaluated. Results : The mean duration of watery diarrhea after initiation of treatment was 2.3 days for the L. leuteri group(n=25) vs. 2.9 days for the placebo group(n=25)(P=0.072). By the second day of treatment, watery diarrhea persisted in 64 percent of patients receiving L. reuteri, compared to 84 percent of those receiving placebo(P=0.006). On the second day, the mean frequency of watery diarrhea was 1.9 in the L. leuteri group and 3.4 in the placebo(P=0.046). Also, vomiting continued to the second day in 16 percent of patients receiving L. reuteri and 40 percent of those recieving placebo(P=0.031). Conclusion : L. reuteri is effective as a therapeutic agent in acute diarrhea in children.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.50 no.9
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• pp.848-854
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• 2007

Purpose : The present study examined the etiology and risk factors of the early breast-feeding jaundice and the usefulness of auditory brainstem response test as early predictor of kernicterus. Methods : Medical records of neonatal jaundice in newborn admitted to Daegu Fatima Hospital between September 2005 and May 2006 were analyzed prospectively. Infants were grouped according to feeding method : breast feeding group (breast feeding only, n=23), mixed feeding group (breast feeding mainly plus addition of fomula feeding, n=13). Results : There were no significant differences in gestational age, birth weight, sex, duration of phototherapy, serum bilirubin and hemolytic evidence between the two study groups. First visiting day of life at out patient department was significantly delayed in breast feeding group ($8.7{\pm}3.6day$) compared to mixed feeding group ($6.0{\pm}1.9$) (P=0.009). Weight loss was significantly severe in breast feeding group compared to mixed feeding group (P<0.05). In auditory brainstem response test, loss of Wave V in 3 cases was observed and recoverd after blood exchange transfusion in follow up test.Wave III latency had significant correlation to serum bilirubin in auditory brainstem response test (70 dB) (P=0.002). Conclusion : Our study suggest that further education about breast feeding and follow up within the first postnatal week would be necessary for early detection and prevention of early breast-feeding jaundice. Test of serum bilirubin and auditory brainstem response would be helpful in determination of blood exchange transfusion.

• Journal of Pharmaceutical Investigation
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• v.35 no.3
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• pp.179-185
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• 2005

Acebrophylline is a compound produced by salifying ambroxol with theophylline-7 -acetic acid. After acebrophylline administration, the salt splits into these two components which feature a peculiar pharmacokinetic behavior, an adequate ambroxol and a low theophylline-7-acetic acid serum levels. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the bioequivalence of two acebrophylline capsules, Surfolase (Hyundai Pharm. lnd. Co., Ltd.) and Burophil (Kuhnil Pharm. Co., Ltd.), according to the guidelines of the Korea Food and Drug Administration (KFDA). The release of ambroxol from the two acebrophylline formulations in vitro was tested using KP VIII Apparatus II method with various dissolution media (pH 1.2, 4.0, 6.8 buffer solution and water). Twenty eight healthy male subjects, $23.25{\pm}1.43$ years in age and $64.82{\pm}6.77$ kg in body weight, were divided into two groups and a randomized $2{\times}2$ cross-over study was employed. After two capsules containing 100 mg as acebrophylline were orally administered, blood was taken at predetermined time intervals and the concentrations of ambroxol in serum were determined using HPLC with electrochemical detector (ECD). The dissolution profiles of two formulations were similar at all dissolution media. In addition, the pharmacokinetic parameters such as $AUC_t$, $C_{max}$ and $T_{max}$ were calculated and ANOVA test was utilized for the statistical analysis of the parameters using logarithmically transformed $AUC_t$, $C_{max}$ and untransformed $T_{max}$. The results showed that the differences between two formulations based on the reference drug Surfolase, were -1.64, -3.33 and -0.92% for $AUC_t$, $C_{max}$ and $T_{max}$, respectively. There were no sequence effects between two formulations in these parameters. The 90% confidence intervals using logarithmically transformed data were within the acceptance range of log 0.8 to log 1.25 $(e.g., \;log\;0.93{\sim}log\;1.05\;and\;log\;0.88{\sim}log\;1.05$ for $AUC_t$, and $C_{max}$, respectively). Thus, the criteria of the KFDA bioequivalence guideline were satisfied, indicating Burophil capsule was bioequivalent to Surfolase capsule.

• Journal of Pharmaceutical Investigation
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• v.36 no.3
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• pp.209-215
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• 2006

Zaltoprofen, (2-(10,11-dihydro-10-oxodibenzo[b,f]thiepin-2-yl)propionic acid) is an NSAID with powerful anti-inflammatory effects as well as an analgesic action on inflammatory pain. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the bioequivalence of two zaltoprofen tablets, $Soleton^{\circledR}$ (CJ Corp.) and SCD Zaltoprofen (Samchundang Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.), according to the guidelines of the Korea Food and Drug Administration (KFDA). The release of zaltoprofen from the two zatoprofen formulations in vitro was tested using KP Vlll Apparatus ll method with various dissolution media. Twenty six healthy male subjects, $23.2{\pm}2.26$ years in age and$64.7{\pm}8.08$ kg in body weight, were divided into two groups and a randomized $2{\times}2$ cross-over study was employed. After a single tablet containing 80 mg as zaltoprofen was orally administered, blood samples were taken at predetermined time intervals and the concentrations of zaltoprofen in serum were determined using HPLC with UV detector. The dissolution profiles of two formulations were similar in all tested dissolution media. The pharmacokinetic parameters such as $AUC_t$, $C_{max}$ and $T_{max}$ were calculated, and ANOVA test was utilized for the statistical analysis of the parameters using logarithmically transformed $AUC_t$, $C_{max}$ and untransformed $T_{max}$. The results showed that the differences between two formulations based on the reference drug, $Soleton^{\circledR}$ were 6.33, 5.91 and 17.7% for $AUC_t$, $C_{max}$ and untransformed $T_{max}$, respectively. There were no sequence effects between two formulations in these parameters. The 90% confidence intervals using logarithmically transformed data were within the acceptance range of log 0.8 to log 1.25 (e.g.,log $1.01{\sim}1og\;1.11$ and log $0.928{\sim}1og\;1.18$ for $AUC_t$ and $C_{max}$, respectively). Thus, the criteria of the KFDA bioequivalence guideline were satisfied, indicating SCD Zaltoprofen tablet was bioequivalent to $Soleton^{\circledR}$ tablet.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.391-395
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• 2014

Background: We aimed to evaluate the role of genetic polymorphisms in tobacco carcinogen-metabolizing genes and their interactions with smoking in a hospital-based case-control study of Japanese subjects. Materials and Methods: We examine the associations of pancreatic cancer risk with genetic polymorphisms in GSTM1, GSTT1 and GSTP1, phase II enzymes that catalyze the conjugation of toxic and carcinogenic electrophilic molecules. The study population consisted of 360 patients and 400 control subjects, who were recruited from several medical facilities in Japan. Unconditional logistic regression methods were used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the associations between genotypes and pancreatic cancer risk. Results: Among the control subjects, the prevalence of the GSTM1-null genotype and the GSTT1-null genotype was approximately 56% and 48%, respectively. Cases and controls were comparable in terms of GSTM1 and GSTT1 genotype distributions. Neither of the deleted polymorphisms in GSTM1 and GSTT1 was associated with the risk of pancreatic cancer, with an age- and sex-adjusted OR of 0.99 (95%CI: 0.74-1.32) for the GSTM1-null genotype, and 0.98 (95%CI: 0.73-1.31) for the GSTT1-null genotype. The OR was 0.97 (95%CI: 0.64-1.47) for individuals with the GSTM1 and GSTT1-null genotypes compared with those with the GSTM1 and GSTT1- present genotypes. No synergistic effects of smoking or GST genotypes were observed. Conclusions: Our results indicate no overall association between the GSTM1 and GSTT1 deletion polymorphisms and pancreatic cancer risk in the Japanese subjects in our study.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.14 no.12
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• pp.7367-7369
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• 2013

Background: Inoperable and metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is associated with a poor prognosis and low chemotherapeutic efficiency. Sorafenib is an oral multi-kinase inhibitor exerting its effects via the RAF/MEK/ERK pathway, vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) and platelet derived growth factor receptor beta (PDGFR-${\beta}$) tyrosine kinases. Randomized studies have shown a significant contribution of sorafenib to life expectancy and quality of life of cancer patients. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the efficacy and side effects of sorafenib therapy in Turkey. Materials and Methods: Data for 103 patients (82 males, 21 females) receiving sorafenib therapy in 13 centers from February 2008 to December 2012 were evaluated. Median age was 61 years and median ECOG performance status was 1 (range: 0-2). 60 patients (58%) had hepatitis B, 15 patients (15%) had hepatitis C infection and 12 patients (12%) had a history of alcohol consumption. All of the patients had Child scores meeting the utilization permit of the drug in our country (Child A). Results: A total of 571 cycles of sorafenib therapy were administered with a median of four per patient. Among the evaluable cases, there was partial response in 15 (15%), stable disease in 52 (50%), and progressive disease in 36 (35%). Median progression-free survival was 18 weeks and median overall survival was 48 weeks. The dose was reduced only in 6 patients and discontinued in 2 patients due to grade 3-4 toxicity, 18 patients (17%) suffering hand-foot syndrome, 7 (7%) diarrhea, and 2 (2%) vomiting. Conclusions: This retrospective study demonstrated better efficacy of sorafenib therapy in patients with advanced HCC compared to the literature while progression-free survival and overall survival findings were comparable. The side effect rates indicate that the drug was tolerated well. In conclusion, among the available treatment options, sorafenib is an efficient and tolerable agent in patients with inoperable or metastatic HCC.

• Journal of the Korean Arthroscopy Society
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• v.3 no.2
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• pp.109-114
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• 1999

Purpose : The importance of meniscal repair is well recognized. But transeciton of the posterior horn of the medial meniscus at the posterior tibial attachment is rarely documented and known irreparable. We experienced 9 cases of transection, and present clinical features and pull out suture technique. Methods and Materials : There were 9cases of transection of the posterior horn of medial meniscus from September 1998 to July 1999 in our hospital. Age was 59.3 years in average and ranged from 38 to 70years. Clinical features and MRI made diagnosis in all cases. We confirmed the diagnosis with arthroscopy and repaired the transection with pullout suture technique. Clinical features : Transection of the posterior horn of the medial meniscus at the posterior tibia attachment occurred frequently in middle aged people. They complained posterior knee pain, but they have no history of definitive trauma. Characteristically they had difficulty in full flexion of the knee and in having a squatting position. MRI is very important in diagnosis of transection, especially in coronal view, there is separation of the posterior horn of the meniscus from the posterior tibial attachment. Surgical technique : Pullout suture technique includes debridement of fibrous or scar tissue, exposure of the subchondral bone of the posterior tibial attachment site, suture the transected end of the meniscus with PDS suture, bone tunnel formation from the anteromedial aspect of the proximal tibia, insertion of wire loop through the tibia tunnel, pull the PDS suture through the tibia tunnel out of the joint and stabilize the PDS with post-tie technique to the proximal tibia. Conclusion : Transection of the posterior horn of the medial meniscus at the posterior tibial attachment is not common clinically and rarely documented. Clinical features and MRI are very important in diagnosis of this type tear. Arthroscopic pullout sutures is useful for treatment of this type tear of the meniscus.

• Korean Journal of Psychosomatic Medicine
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.121-129
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• 2014

Objectives : This study was to assess the prevalence and its correlates of restless legs syndrome(RLS) in outpatients with bipolar disorder. Methods : A total of 100 clinical stabilized bipolar outpatients were examined. The presence of RLS and its severity were assessed using the International Restless Legs Sydrome Study Group(IRLSSG) diagnostic criteria. Beck's Depression Inventory(BDI), Spielberg's State Anxiety Inventory(STAI-X-1), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index(PSQI), Korean version Drug Attitude Inventory(KDAI-10), Subjective Well-Beings under Neuroleptic Treatment Scale-Short Form(SWN-K) and Barnes Akathisia Rating Scale(BARS) were used to evaluate the depressive symptomatology, level of anxiety, subjective quality of sleep, subjective feeling of well-being, drug attitude, presence of akathisia, respectively. Results : Of the 100 bipolar outpatients, 7(7%) were met to full criteria of IRLSSG and 36(36%) have at least one of the 4 IRLSSG criterion. Because of relatively small sample size, non-parametric analysis were done to compare the characteristics among 3 groups(full-RLS, 1 ${\geq}$positive RLS-symptom and Non-RLS). There were no significant differences in sex, age, and other sociodemographic and clinical data among 3 groups. BDI, STAI-X-1 and PSQI are tended to be impaired in RLS and 1 ${\geq}$positive RLS-symptom groups. Conclusions : This is the first preliminary study for studying the prevalence and its correlates of RLS in bipolar disorder. The results shows that relatively small proportion of RLS was present in bipolar disorder patients when compared to patients with schizophrenia. Same tendencies shown in schizophrenic patients were found that bipolar patients with RLS had more depressive symptoms, state anxiety and poor subjective sleep quality. Further systematic studies may be needed to find the characteristics of RLS in bipolar patients.

• Journal of Korean Ophthalmic Optics Society
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.127-135
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• 2016

Purpose: The present study was aimed to investigate the effect of excessive near work by using a smartphone on subjective symptoms and accommodative and convergent function in their 40s. Methods: A total of 40 subjects(male, 10; female, 30; age, $43{\pm}7.2year$) in their 40s who have monocular and binocular visual acuities of 0.8 and 1.0, respectively, were divided into presbyopia group and non-presbyopia group. The subjects were asked to watch a movie on the screen of smartphone for 30 minutes. Their accommodative amplitude and facility, and relative accommodation were measured and compared before and after the use of smartphone. Changes in fusional vergence and near heterophoria by using smartphone were also evaluated. Furthermore, the change of subjective symptoms was surveyed using a questionnaire. Results: The presbyopia in mid-40s reported discomfort in an order of asthenopia, blur and dryness after the use of smartphone. Accommodative function and non-strabismic binocular function were generally decreased. Accommodative functions such as monocular accommodative amplitude, and relative accommodation were significantly decreased after smartphone use, and the change of phoria was observed as a result of decreased convergence and divergence. Negative fusional vergence was also significantly reduced. On the other hand, non-presbyopia in mid-40s reported discomfort in an order of asthenopia, dryness and blur, and only accommodative amplitude among the accommodative functions was significantly reduced. Significant reduction of negative fusional vergence was also observed. Conclusion: From the results, it was confirmed that the subjective discomfort of mid-40s after smarphone use might be related to whether presbyopia or not. It was due to not only the reduction of accommodative function but also the overall deterioration of visual function including heterophoria and fusional vergence. Therefore, it suggests that the accurate determination of the cause based on the overall visual functional tests such as heterophoria, fusional vergence as well as the decrease of accommodation due to the aging may be necessary when the mid-40s feels discomfortable symptoms by near work.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.48 no.10
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• pp.1132-1138
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• 2005

Purpose : The mucopolysaccharidoses (MPSs) are a heterogeneous group of lysosomal storage disorders. They are caused by a deficiency of the enzymes involved in the degradation of glycosaminoglycans. Early recognition is important because recombinant enzyme replacement therapy is now available for MPS. We studied the clinical characteristics of 80 MPS children with the object of determining the epidemiological, clinical and radiological features in Korean MPS children. Methods : Diagnosis of MPS was confirmed by skin fibroblast enzyme analysis in 80 patients between February 1995 and December 2004. Charts were retrospectively reviewed for clinical and radiological findings, as well as for intelligence and speech evaluations. Results : Hunter syndrome (MPS type II) was the most prevalent type, appearing in 51/80 cases (64 %), followed by Sanfilippo syndrome (MPS III-18%), Hurler syndrome (MPS I-15%), and Morquio syndrome (MPS IV-4%). The average age at diagnosis was 5.5 years (range 1 to 20), and the male-to-female ratio was 4.7 : 1. Typical radiographic changes were observed in 45/54 cases (83%). Mitral regurgitation was the most common cardiac defect. Moderate to profound mental retardation and hearing loss were present in 14/35 cases (56%) and 33/38 cases (82%), respectively. Four MPS II patients had bone marrow transplantation, with mixed outcomes. Five MPS I patients are currently on enzyme replacement therapy. Conclusion : Our study showed a high proportion of MPS II cases (64%), which may represent population variability. By studying the clinical features of these patients, we hope to alert pediatricians of the warning signs of MPS.